The Elephant of Surprise (Hap and Leonard)
The Elephant of Surprise (Hap and Leonard) book cover

The Elephant of Surprise (Hap and Leonard)

Kindle Edition

Price
$13.99
Publisher
Mulholland Books
Publication Date

Description

Joe R. Lansdale is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Sunset and Sawdust, Rumble Tumble and The Bottoms. He has received the British Fantasy Award, the American Mystery Award, the Edgar Award, the Grinzane Cavour Prize for Literature, and seven Bram Stoker Awards. He lives with his family in Nacogdoches, Texas. Visit his website at www.joerlansdale.com, follow him on Twitter @joelansdale or find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JoeRLansdale. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. "The Elephant of Surprise is the read of the year thus far for adrenaline junkies, action-hero aficionados and, as is always the case with Lansdale's novels, fans of clever and unexpected similes and metaphors."― BookPage "Hap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction."― Kirkus Reviews "Lansdale's narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations. . . . It's always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances."― Booklist "Relentlessly paced"― Publishers Weekly Praise for Joe R. Lansdale "Reading Joe R. Lansdale is like listening to a favorite uncle who just happens to be a fabulous storyteller."― Dean Koontz --This text refers to the hardcover edition. [In] Lansdale's relentlessly paced twelfth novel featuring Hap Collins and Leonard Pine...striking metaphors help drive the violent plot, in which Hap and Leonard must use all their wiles, including the 'elephant' of surprise, to defeat a gang of murderous criminals...Some readers may wish for more breaks in between action scenes, but Lansdale's fans will be satisfied. -- "Publishers Weekly" The twelfth novel in the series is essentially an extended action sequence...Lansdale's narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations...It's always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances. -- "Booklist" This latest entry in the amiable series...is more relentless than previous outings in the series, with the action moving at a near-constant clip...Hap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction. -- "Kirkus Reviews" --This text refers to the audioCD edition. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • The latest roaring, rollicking adventure from Edgar Award-winner Joe R. Lansdale, featuring odd-couple P.I.s Hap and Leonard.
  • Hap and Leonard are an unlikely pair--Hap, a self-proclaimed white trash rebel, and Leonard--a tough-as-nails Black, gay, Vietnam vet and Republican--but they're the closest friend either of them has in the world. After years of crime-solving companionship, something's changed: Hap, recently married to their P.I. boss, Brett, is now a family man. Amidst the worst flood East Texas has seen in years, the two run across a woman who's had her tongue nearly cut out, pursued by a heavily armed pair of goons. Turns out the girl survived a mob hit, and the boss has come to clean up the mess. On a chase that blows even the East Texas swampgrass back, Hap and Leonard must save the girl, and vanquish her foes, before the foes get them first. With a new case to solve, and a brand-new challenge to their relationship, will Hap and Leonard's friendship survive? Will Hap and Leonard survive?
  • The Elephant of Surprise
  • is rich with Lansdale's trademark humor, whip-smart dialogue, and plenty of ass-kicking adventures.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(194)
★★★★
25%
(162)
★★★
15%
(97)
★★
7%
(45)
23%
(149)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Unfortunate read!

Unfortunate read. Very little story content massive amounts of shooting and running. Read like a teen action screen play. Not recommended
6 people found this helpful
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Elephant Not Included...

Some authors would love to be able to write a book this good...BUT...
This one is NOT up to the usual quality of the Champion Joe! (No real Mojo workin' here...)
After reading "The Elephant Of Surprise," I was the one surprised. It feels like the end is near to me. Hap even wonders if he (and possibly Leonard) are getting too old for the kind of "adventures" they keep getting themselves into.
Maybe, Joe is trying something different. Maybe, Joe had a novella and They wanted a novel. Not sure, but, something is not quite right.
Hap and Leonard save a girl, Bad Guys come for said girl. Shoot and Run. More Bad Guys come. Shoot, Run, and Hide...Etc. Thanks to one of my English teachers, Ms. Sharpe, I recognize the classic Man vs. Man and Man vs. Nature themes.
P.S.
IF this is your 1st Hap and Leonard novel, Do Not let this Stop you from enjoying All the Previous Adventures...
4 people found this helpful
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Hap and Leonard - The Odd Couple of Noir

Joe R Lansdale is master wordsmith and story teller. His characters are always believable whether they are heroes or villains. His black humor and the banter between Hap and Leonard show much love and respect they hold for each other. I have been riding with them from the first book and I”ll be their at the end. It has been a good ride.
3 people found this helpful
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What could go wrong

If you are looking for all the things right of wrong about this book in this review well surprise. I have read I think just about all of the Hap and Leonard stories and seen the TV series so I am a big fan of them. This story follows a formula that is present in all the stories two good old boys against the bad guys. But Hap and Leonard are really more than just that they are how we all want to be if we should find ourselves in their place. We want to stand for justice and doing the right thing. Even if it means that we have to take a few lumps to get there. This time they are helping a young woman, who is being chased by some very bad guys. They weren't asked to help and they didn't just jump in offering to help. They just knew what was the right thing to do. But like in all their stories they just have one thing to say, "what could go wrong?" Well they give the only answer they have, " it's us. " So buckle up and get ready to ride because it is going to be a bumpy night. Cause Hap and Leonard are facing the Dixie Mafia and one heck of a storm and my money is on Hap and Leonard.
2 people found this helpful
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Always a wild ride

The Elephant of Surprise feels different. There's no question that it is a Hap and Leonard story, but the atmosphere is oppressive, there's not as much banter and fewer laugh out loud moments. Lansdale is clearly after something a little different here and its been achieved. Highly recommended.
1 people found this helpful
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Not the usual, but still great

No, this isn't the normal kind of noir-style mystery that you'd expect for the series, but in truth it's not a bad idea 12 books in to change up the pace a little. This is less Maltese Falcon and more Assault on Precinct 13, straight into the action and staying there throughout. Taken on it's own, a lot of fun.
I do agree that the character work is a little thin- hence the ever so rare 4 stars from me on a Lansdale book. Still, there is a few short, nice sections of Hap dealing with aging and the effects of his life, very reminiscent of John D Macdonalds Travis McGee in the later years of that story.
1 people found this helpful
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Best around

What can be said about Joe R. Lansdale that hasn't already been said. He's a master and Hap and Leonard are the best!
1 people found this helpful
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The Odd Texas Rangers

An exceptional addition to this engrossing series, Hap & Leonard continue their pursuit of justice while mucking through the human detritus of East Texas. Atmospheric, emotionally captivating, Lansdale pulls you in and spins tales of lost souls, confused truths and satisfying though disconcerting results.
1 people found this helpful
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The Man is a Master and every new book is a Masterpiece

Don't worry about watching Hap and Leonard in the Netflix series ( altho' those are good ) read them in their full glory here in the books by the author. Enjoy!
1 people found this helpful
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Nonstop Action

Hap and Leonard never disappoint. If you are familiar with this mismatched pair, you will love their banter. The action, albeit over the top at points, is nonstop and will leave you breathless.
1 people found this helpful